When gifting a boss or wealthy person goes wrong...

The Ill-Fated Gift: A Tale of Workplace Misunderstanding

Julia was new to her job, eager to impress, and perhaps a bit too enthusiastic. As her boss Mr. Collins’s birthday approached, she thought a personalised gift might endear her to him. After some discreet inquiries, she learned he was a fan of vintage wines. With a gleam of triumph, she sourced a rare, albeit pricey, bottle from a local auction.

The day of the birthday arrived, and Julia, gift in hand, walked into Mr. Collins’s office during the small office celebration. With a flourish, she presented the wine, expecting a look of delight. Instead, her boss’s face stiffened. He accepted the gift with a forced smile, muttering a thanks before quickly setting it aside.

Confused by the reaction, Julia later discovered from a coworker that Mr. Collins had recently celebrated a year of sobriety. Her well-intentioned gift had inadvertently brought an uncomfortable reminder of his struggle with alcohol.

Mortified, Julia realised the importance of not just knowing the interests but the current circumstances of the gift receiver. The incident taught her a valuable lesson in thoughtful gifting—sometimes, the best intentions need a little more insight and a lot less assumption.

A tale that has been told time over, with that awkward moment of extravagance put ahead of thought, at The Herringbone Studio, we really care and want you to think and find about the perfect gift for that special someone, to help you pick the perfect

How to buy the perfect gift for a senior colleague or company boss

When it comes to gifting someone who seemingly has everything, like a wealthy individual or a company executive, the principles of thoughtfulness, personalisation, and experience take precedence.

1. Thoughtfulness Over Price Tag: While it’s easy to assume that expensive gifts are the way to go, what matters more is the thought behind the gift. Understanding the recipient’s personal tastes, interests, or hobbies can guide you to a meaningful choice that resonates more than its cost.

2. Personalisation is Key: Customizing a gift adds a personal touch that enhances its value. This could be anything from a bespoke piece of art to an engraved writing instrument. The aim is to make the recipient feel that the gift has been tailored just for them.

3. Experiences Over Material Goods: Often, the best gift for someone who has everything is not a thing at all, but an experience. Whether it’s a private cooking session with a renowned chef or tickets to a sought-after event, experiences create memories, which can be far more valuable than physical objects.

4. Subtlety in Branding: When gifting within a corporate context, opt for subtlety in branding. A gift should feel personal and not like a promotional item. If branding is a must, it should be discreetly placed.

5. Quality Matters: Opt for high-quality items that reflect the status and tastes of the recipient. This doesn’t necessarily mean the most expensive item, but one that prioritizes craftsmanship and prestige.

6. Consider Charitable Gifts: For those who truly have everything, consider a charitable gift in their name. This can be particularly impactful if the charity aligns with something they are passionate about.

In essence, gifting to a wealthy person or company executive should focus on personalisation and meaningful engagement rather than mere financial value. Such gifts not only convey respect but also foster a deeper, more personal connection.

How to present the perfect gift… by giving the perfect occasional card along with it.

When it comes to celebrating a special someone’s birthday or moment, pairing a thoughtful gift with a luxury birthday card of art can elevate your gesture into something truly memorable. A high-quality, artistically crafted card serves not just as a vessel for your warm wishes but as a piece of art that reflects the depth of your appreciation and regard.

We have a great range of hand-painted A4 and Square luxury and premium original art greetings cards, finding the perfect one to compliment your gift should be easy.

When pairing a gift think about the style, the colour or theme, in the above picture you can see how the two cards work perfectly with the ceramic gifts from The Herringbone Studio. The Gold “TOI” A5 card pairs fantastically with the gold pomegranate and equally the La Belle, works with the Italian ceramics for that European theme. When gifting, the card should complement the item or the style of the person.

Car Art Cards by The Herringbone Studio…